World Cup 2022 Qualifying: Germany stunned by North Macedonia, with wins for Spain, France and Italy

Germany lose a World Cup Qualifier for the first time in nearly 20 years, beaten 2-1 by North Macedonia; France edge past Bosnia and Herzegovina; Spain, Italy, England and Scotland also win; Northern Ireland held by Bulgaria

Wednesday 31 March 2021 22:45, UK

North Macedonia scored an 85th-minute winner through Eljif Elmas to stun Germany 2-1 in their World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday, celebrating their greatest international victory.

Elmas slotted in after the four-time world champions had controlled the game but struggled to create chances against the disciplined North Macedonians, ranked 65th in the worldIt was Germany's first home World Cup Qualifying loss in 20 years, since being beaten 5-1 by England, and coach Joachim Lowe's last qualifying game in charge ahead of his departure following this summer's European Championship.

It was Germany's first home World Cup Qualifying loss in 20 years, since being beaten 5-1 by England, and coach Joachim Lowe's last qualifying game in charge ahead of his departure following this summer's .Europea Championship 

Despite Germany's 70 per cent possession in the first half and Leon Goretzka's shot onto the crossbar, it was the visitors who scored when 37-year-old Goran Pandev was left unmarked in the box to tap home in first-half stoppage time.

A 63rd-minute Ilkay Gundogan penalty drew the hosts level but despite late pressure and a golden chance for Timo Werner 10 minutes from time, Germany could not find a winner.